Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the neck causing pain, numbness and weakness in the arms, shoulders and hands. Many people who suffer from this condition wonder whether the pain is worse at night. In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms and causes of cervical radiculopathy, how it affects one’s daily life and whether it hurts more at night. We will also explore how you can seek physiotherapy and chiropractic care to manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by a pinched nerve in the neck, resulting from a herniated disc, degeneration of the spine, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord), or injury. Symptoms can vary, but the most common are neck pain, radiating pain in the arms, numbness or tingling in the fingers, and weakness in the arms and hands.
While it depends on the individual, many people find that the pain caused by cervical radiculopathy can be worse at night. This is usually because the neck muscles and nerves are not able to relax properly, causing a constant feeling of tension and discomfort. The pain may also be aggravated by certain sleeping positions that put pressure on the neck, such as sleeping on your stomach or using a pillow that is too high.
Living with cervical radiculopathy can be challenging, especially if you are experiencing pain and other symptoms that affect your daily life. In addition to physiotherapy and chiropractic care, there are many things you can do to manage the condition and improve your quality of life. For example, you can try exercises that stretch and strengthen your neck muscles, use heat or ice to alleviate pain and swelling, and use ergonomic supports that help you maintain good posture.
Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are two effective treatment options for cervical radiculopathy. Physiotherapy involves exercises, manual treatment, and education aimed at reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and restoring function. Chiropractic care involves spinal adjustments, massage, and other non-invasive techniques that target the source of pain and improve spinal alignment.
In conclusion, cervical radiculopathy can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and self-care, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. While it depends on the individual, many people find that the pain can be worse at night due to a lack of relaxation in the neck muscles and nerves. Seeking physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be effective ways to manage the condition, but it is also important to follow a self-care routine of exercises, pain relief techniques, and ergonomic supports that help alleviate pain and restore function. If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervical radiculopathy, reach out to a physiotherapist or chiropractor for personalized treatment and support.
